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The English Springer Spaniel (also known simply as the “Springer Spaniel”) is a sporting breed of dog that is very closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. In fact, the two breeds were even considered the same at one time. They feature long ears and a white coat with either black or liver markings. Their high intelligence, friendly nature, soft mouth, keen sense of smell and their signature ability to flush birds into the air make the English Springer Spaniel a common choice for use in hunting, drug detection and as a companion dog for active families.

Origins Of The English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is thought to have descended from the Norfolk Spaniel and Shropshire Spaniel of the mid-1800s and is very closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel – in fact, during the early 1900s both breeds were known to have come from the same litters. They received their name and favor among hunters based on their special ability to “spring” and flush birds into the air.

Average Size Of The English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are classified as a medium-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the English Springer Spaniel male is 20 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 50 pounds, whereas the suggested size for female English Springer Spaniels is 19 inches tall from paw to shoulder with a weight of 40 pounds.

Temperament Of The English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is recognized for their cheerful, playful, sociable and devoted character. They are characteristically friendly with guests, which can mean they are quite unsuitable as a guard dog.

The English Springer Spaniel is also accepted to be extremely intelligent – placing 13th in comparison with other dogs when considering their capacity to learn obedience commands.

They are renowned to be good with children – making them highly suitable as a family pet. The English Springer Spaniel is usually pleasant with other animals with the exception of birds and dogs of the same gender who they may become aggressive with.

Living Requirements Of The English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is kept happiest with at least an average-sized yard to play in, but they are mildly suitable for apartment living if they are taken for daily walks.

Health & Life Expectancy Of The English Springer Spaniel

Like a large number of medium-sized breeds, the English Springer Spaniel is typically longer-lived possessing a life expectancy of 12-14 years. The main health concern for English Springer Spaniels is commonly recognized to be hip dysplasia. They can also be prone to conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, the blood disorder Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK) and easy weight gain – so it is necessary to feed them carefully to avoid any additional health problems due to obesity.

Exercise Needs Of The English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel prefers to be out on hunting trips but their need for activity can also be met through exploring the wilderness, going swimming, sessions of obedience training or learning tricks, taking part in agility trials and chasing after a ball or frisbee. They possess a medium to high level of energy and this necessitates exercise every day in the form of long walks or jogs at a minimum to stop hyperactivity or destructive behavior as well as prevent excessive weight gain.